Many people have low self-confidence. Sometimes, your childhood experiences, cultural background, and even genes can have a direct impact on your confidence. Having low self-confidence can impact your productivity, your ability to reach your goals, even how you handle relationships.
Although these factors that can influence confidence are not something you have control over, there are still ways you can give it a boost. You can start by improving how you make decisions so that you can change certain habits that do further damage to your confidence, like the following.
Taking Self-Care for Granted
How people do self-care differs from one person to another. For most people, this is about giving themselves enough time to recuperate after a tiring day at work. For others, it is about engaging in a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
Some people consider pampering themselves a form of self-care. Others focus on social self-care, which involves nurturing relationships with their loved ones. There’s also the type of self-care where one takes great care of their mental health.
If you keep on making excuses about why you can’t afford to take better care of yourself, then your confidence will surely take the hit. This is since you are not making any effort to change yourself for the better. Consider changing for the better and focus on what you have control over.
For instance, one of your major insecurities includes your crooked teeth. You can start taking control by considering a smile makeover with the help of a trusted dental clinic like Metro Dental. Making the choice to change what you can will make it easier for you to make connections and show off your abilities.
Always Saying Yes
Are you a “yes man”? If you are one of those people who find it so had to say no to the people around you, then this could be one reason why you need a confidence fix. Remember that being a reliable person does not always mean not saying no when someone asks you for your help.
Learning to say no can be tricky, especially now that your peers have known you for your inability to say no. But when you start saying no to select circumstances, you are giving yourself peace of mind, time to heal, and a better sense of control. You are allowing yourself to take the wheel and be in charge.
There are ways you can use positive no to change yourself for the better and give your confidence a boost. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
- Say yes to what you think is important to you. This pertains to your values and beliefs. Remember that you can say no respectfully without attacking the other party.
- Say no if another person’s request will step on your boundaries. You need to define those boundaries and announce them to other people.
- Say yes to compromises. After refusing someone’s request, find ways to compromise. This is especially important when the people you are saying no to are people whose relationships matter to you the most.
Putting Off Things for Later
Procrastinating may be a dear friend. But admit it or not, this often puts you in great trouble, especially when it comes to work and relationships. Putting things off for later may look harmless but only for the time being.
It is very easy to give in to procrastination, which, in turn, takes control out of your hands. When you are no longer in control, this eventually erodes your confidence. This negative type of coping only makes you doubt yourself and your abilities.
For example, you work in a high-paced job that requires a certain amount of output each day. When you procrastinate, chances are you cannot reach your quota, or you fail to be efficient since you often rush at the last minute. When your results no longer satisfy your company’s standards and your goals, you will start doubting your abilities and sabotage your own career.
Excessive Apologizing
Many of us say sorry on autopilot. We say sorry even on the most trivial things, even if we are in no way at fault for anything. While asking for forgiveness is good, there are no reasons to overdo it, especially since it can hurt your confidence.
Excessive apologizing is your subconscious asking for reassurance. You are silently telling others that you are afraid of rejection and criticism. While saying sorry is being nice to others you have done something wrong, this should not always be the case.
Over apologizing sends out messages that you are not confident in what you are sharing. Over-expressing remorse will make you look inefficient. Learn how to apologize sincerely on the right occasions, and you will look more confident.
Building confidence takes time. One can’t expect themselves to be confident after only a day or two of practice. But by adopting the proper habits, you can start building your confidence so you can be better and happier.
